In the midsize sedan segment, the all-new 2002 Nissan Altima creates its own class. With the addition of a 240 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine (previous models offered only a 4-cylinder), Altima kicks with performance punch. Onlookers frequently commented on the sedan’s new exterior appearance, but the interior is equally eye grabbing – from the orange-hue backlights accenting three deep-dish gauges to the overall non-cluttered dashboard and center stack presentation. While the sedan does deserve ample praise, the Altima SE driven on an extended road trip revealed minor gaps in the dashboard/console area, and the foam peaking through between the dash and windshield conveyed an unfinished look. Altima SE is loaded with standard appointments, including 17-inch alloy wheels, UV reducing tinted glass, two 12-volt power outlets, rear window defogger, tilt and telescopic steering wheel column, center console with height adjustable armrest, air conditioning, and cruise control. When the V6 engine is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, per gallon mileage estimates are 19 city/26 highway. Third generation Altima carries a suggested base price of $16,349 when equipped with the 2.5-liter 175 horsepower 4-cylinder/ 5-speed manual transmission. Top-of-the-line Altima SE has a suggested base price of $23,149.